The country is opening up fast and these two establishments are wasting no time in delivering the goods and services to their audience. Unsurprisingly, post-pandemic transformation beats at the core of The Fatted Calf and Bar Rogue in a bid to regain human connections. It is a reminder that what you do next matters more than anything else you did in the past.

The comeback of The Fatted Calf is a testament to the power of good food and the community it builds

Jayjay and Rhea SyCip of The Fatted Calf

After shuttering early this year, the farm-to-table kitchen is back with a brand new location and some welcome additions to the menu. Losing the Silang location was a big blow to chefs (and real-life married couple) Jayjay and Rhea SyCip, but their breezy new home in Tagaytay proves that good food and community can help them start fresh—and even stronger than before.

Some dishes you can’t miss are the bouncy Vietnamese shrimp balls made with sea-caught shrimp, the thick cut pork chop served with spectacular Cebu grits, and, of course, all the cakes and bread made with ingredients sourced from local farms. The ambiance alone is worth the drive, so what more when you add their fantastic fare to the mix?—Andrei Yuvallos

The Fatted Calf: Thick-cut pork chop with corn grits, apple sauce, and grilled vegetables — Thick-cut pork chop with corn grits, apple sauce, and grilled vegetables

The Fatted Calf: Red curry beef pot roast — Red curry beef pot roast

The usual? You won’t find that at New World Makati Hotel’s Bar Rouge

At New World Makati Hotel’s Bar Rouge, “cocktails with character” come to life literally. This collection of cocktails is filled with beverages inspired by personalities that have graced the cultural landscape—from Pablo Picasso and Jack Sparrow to Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. But these signature cocktails aren’t ones to overlook creativity over mass appeal.

Sure, paying tribute to influential figures through drinks is always catchy (albeit not necessarily original), but in terms of visuals, emotions, and flavors, Bar Rouge’s punchy liquid character studies are fascinating to the senses and a definite X on the maps of those in search of delightful tipples.

Here are a few of our favorites that will hold your attention and keep you in high spirits at one of Makati’s classy watering holes.—Eric Nicole Salta

Picasso Sour

A modernist twist to the classic whiskey sour topped with a rendition of Picasso’s classic works with Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whisky, Lustau, lemon juice, honey, and egg white.

Adam’s Apple

A sweet concoction that’ll tempt you to have more with Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Monin Fuji apple mix, mint, and peach bitters.

Mr. President

A flirty concoction featuring Marilyn Monroe’s favorite indulgence: chocolate with Sazerac, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Mancino Chinato, and chocolate bitters.

Blue Blazer

An ode to the fiery drink invented by the father of modern bartending Jerry Thomas with Maker’s Mark, Plantation OFTD, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters.

The King

A banana and coffee cocktail that pays tribute to the King of Rock’s favorite fruit, banana with Darkness 8 Years Whisky, banana liqueur, and coffee liqueur.